SmithSpecial to The Herald

Louise Smith is celebrating her 88th birthday this week.  She is wife to Samuel Smith and mother of 11 children with four times as many grand and great-grandchildren.    
When Mrs. Smith’s youngest child was enrolled in kindergarten, she enrolled in beauty school and later received her license to become a hairstylist.  She and her good friend Dorothy Casey co-owned a beauty salon in downtown Yazoo City for about 30 years.  When customers stopped by to get their hair done, they not only received a great hair styling but also many words of wisdom with a little gospel.
Mrs. Smith was once a member of Chapel Hill Baptist Church, where she and several other women formed a gospel group known as the Gospel Carolettes. The Gospel Carolettes not only sang in Church and at various Christian events spreading the news of the gospel but also sang on the radio station each Sunday morning.  
Mrs. Smith left Chapel Hill Baptist Church to become a member of New Zion Baptist Church where her son, Rev. Willie E. Smith, is the pastor.  There she not only serves on the Mother Board and the Mission Board but is a great spiritual inspiration to many members and visitors who often seek prayer, Christian advice and fellowship.
She has taught Sunday School and sang in the choir at New Zion.  
She has been a mother or grandmother figure for many in the community; always welcoming others into her home, whether just for the company, for dinner, or anything needy.
Mrs. Smith has tried to be a positive Christian role model, not only for her children and grandchildren but to everyone she meets.